Tariffs, A.I. and Inflation: Top Concerns Facing Consumers

Consumer Concerns - The top concern for US consumers over the past year has been tariffs, with 25 million discussions recorded on the topic, and nearly 40% of mentions being negative, resulting in a 16 to 1 negative to positive ratio [3][4] - Spanish-speaking consumers have specific concerns regarding tariffs, particularly related to soy, beef, and sugar, which account for 15% of their discussions [7] Buying Patterns - Consumers are postponing purchases of appliances and furniture, indicating a shift in buying patterns due to economic pressures [6] - The holiday shopping season is approaching, and there is a mixed outlook; while some consumers may pull back on spending, there is also an increase in discussions about purchasing vehicles, which rose by 12% in the last month [11][12] Inflation and Medical Costs - Inflation is a secondary concern for US consumers, with medical care costs being the top issue related to inflation, closely tied to the tariff discussions [10] Labor Market and AI Concerns - Discussions around AI and its impact on employment are significant among younger adults, with over 12% of discussions from Gen Z and millennials expressing concerns that AI is harming their career prospects [15] - The unemployment rate has been a trending concern, although it has been decreasing since the beginning of the year [15]